Affiliations: PAR (Prevention Assessment and Rehabilitation) Health
Services, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Note: [] PAR Health Services, Health Sciences Centre, 800 Sherbrook
Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1M4, Canada. Tel.: +1 204 787 1048; Fax: +1 204
787 1034; E-mail: lajohnson@hsc.mb.ca
Abstract: {\it Objectives}: The purpose of this outcome measurement study was
to determine the effectiveness of a work hardening program as measured by the
participants' work status at three months after program completion. Predictors
of successful return to work were explored. {\it Study design}: The sequential case series design was employed,
and data were gathered at three points: the initial work hardening assessment,
the discharge assessment, and three months post-discharge from the work
hardening program. Seventy-nine participants were included. {\it Results}: Eighty-two percent (82%) of the clients who completed
a work hardening program reported that they were working in some capacity three
months after program completion. They listed their employment status in 5
sub-categories. Significant predictors of employment included ``single''
marital status, lower perceived disability scores at program entry, reduction
in reported pain during program duration, and funding source. {\it Conclusion}: Work hardening remains an effective treatment
strategy which promotes successful return to the workplace. Ongoing analyses of
these programs is imperative.
Keywords: outcome measurement, work hardening, employment predictors, return to work
